How many times has Israel needed rescuing? God says it’s times “without number” (Jer 2:32).
It’s remarkable how memories can sweep in like waves. Imagine little knots of worshipers in their tent encampments outside the city walls, sharing a meal perhaps. There’s talk of the family, the crops, and the exciting events to take place during Israel’s annual festivals. Then suddenly someone in the group turns strangely silent. Tears glisten in their eyes. Conversation stops. What is it? they wonder. And then the memories pour out. “Remember the time ‘when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us’ (vv 2-3)?” “Oh, yes, it was terrifying! Like a flash flood in the hills, it really felt like ‘the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul’ (v 4).” Others have joined the little group, some solemnly nodding and some weeping, as they recall the times the little nation was almost annihilated. Yes, they all agree, “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side”—you can hear the echo across the Kidron and down into the Gehinnom, “Let Israel now say—‘If it had not been the Lord who was on our side…then the swollen waters would have gone over our soul” (vv 1-2, 5). With what relief they begin to sing, and others join in until the mountains ring with the joyful sound, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth. Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped” (vv 6-7). Sing it, Israel, sing it! And you shall yet sing it one final time when the devil himself tries to trap and destroy you, but looking to God, at last you will sing, “Our help is in the name of the Lord (Yahweh), who made heaven and earth” (v 8). But this time your Rescuer will be “Yahweh our salvation,” Yehoshua, Jesus Himself!